In short, I'm a 31-year-old guy, 5'11", and I've been doing No S on and off for several years. I recommitted on February 18, 2015, weighing 243 lbs. Over the next six months, I lost 25 lbs., but then I crapped out for the last three months of 2015 and gained back 15 lbs. I re-recommitted on January 1, 2016, weighing 233.6 lbs.

This morning I weighed 210.8 lbs., which puts my BMI at a non-obese 29.4. It also means I'm down 52.7 lbs. -- exactly 20% -- from my all-time high of 263.5 lbs. I credit all this to No S.

I feel fantastic, and not just physically. No S has completely changed my relationship to food. I actually enjoy it now. I don't worry about it anymore. I don't spend every day feeling guilty and ashamed about how much I'm eating. I feel liberated, at peace. I know I'm doing the right thing, and it's not that hard. No S feels like a "cheat code" for weight loss -- it's so simple, so natural, so humane, and so effective. I want to tell everyone about it.

A few things I've learned:

* I do best when I'm not obsessing about long-term goals but just focusing on good habits day by day and appreciating the present. Sure, I'd love to be sub-200, or sub-189 (HS wrestling weight), or sub-179 ("normal" BMI), but I can only control my habits, and I can be happy now.

* Beware hubris. Even long-established habits can crumble under complacency. I started going off the rails during an early-October family trip, and didn't get back on track until after the holidays.

* I've found it helpful to eat a relatively small (for me) breakfast and lunch so I can share a hearty dinner with my family and still maintain a caloric deficit.

* I enjoy S-days most when they're basically like N-days plus a special dessert in the evening. But that knowledge isn't always enough to prevent S-Days Gone Wild. I don't beat myself up about these, but I do try to remember the bloated, sluggish feeling for next time.

TRACKING
HabitCal: Was useful motivation for a few weeks while (re-)establishing habits.
Weigh-ins: My practice varies, but I enjoy the data of daily weigh-ins.
MyFitnessPal: I know it's No S heresy, but every now and then I scrupulously count calories for a few weeks to help calibrate my intuitions and appetite.

Anyway, I hope some of this is helpful to someone. If you have any questions, let me know.

Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 5:35 pm

by reinhard

Wow, very impressive numbers!

You have now officially joined the "I've lost more than Reinhard on the No S Diet" club.

So great to see such continued success over several years, that even with some "on and off", you've always managed to catch yourself and the net result is far more on than off.

Thanks for all the details regarding dietary defaults, exercise, and psychological observations -- and don't worry, I forgive you your "heresy." For what it's worth, as an occasional data-gathering exercise as you're doing it, I will even concede that it might not be entirely counterproductive.

Reinhard

Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 8:37 pm

by cedar

Good on you 1984man! It's an impressive amount to lose but I'm more impressed by (and focusing on myself) you focusing on habits rather than weight loss, as it's really the only thing we can control.

All the best on your continued journey with No S!

Posted: Sat May 14, 2016 5:27 am

by oolala53

Very impressive, esp. that you're accomplishing the trifecta of eating, walking and 14xanything.

I love that it seems you see that if you keep to the habits, when your head hits the pillow at night, you know you can rest easy no matter what you weigh. (Honestly, I think you should be able to no matter what, but it makes it easier not to feel too full and sorry.)

Hey, if you want to count calories, knock yourself out! You don't have to apologize. I have occasionally let knowledge of calories help me make a few eating decisions. It's not forbidden, except to never let it be a reason to want to jettison the whole thing.

I've done some perusing of slim/traditional culture practices and it's pretty common that they have only one major meal a day. The other two are rather simple productions. So your instincts are pretty good with that.

I was going to say something else essential but I got distracted for a few hours helping out a friend who is moving. I'll add it if I think of it later.

So glad for you!

Re: 50 lbs. down and feeling great

Posted: Sat May 14, 2016 6:10 am

by Merry

1984man wrote:
I feel fantastic, and not just physically. No S has completely changed my relationship to food. I actually enjoy it now. I don't worry about it anymore. I don't spend every day feeling guilty and ashamed about how much I'm eating. I feel liberated, at peace. I know I'm doing the right thing, and it's not that hard. No S feels like a "cheat code" for weight loss -- it's so simple, so natural, so humane, and so effective. I want to tell everyone about it.

Yes, love this!

1984man wrote:
A few things I've learned:

* I do best when I'm not obsessing about long-term goals but just focusing on good habits day by day and appreciating the present. Sure, I'd love to be sub-200, or sub-189 (HS wrestling weight), or sub-179 ("normal" BMI), but I can only control my habits, and I can be happy now.

and this! Daily habits are so important, and I love hearing long-time no-s-ers continue to come back to that thought. Thanks!

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2016 12:14 am

by MaggieMae

Impressive, 1984 man! Congrats on your success!

Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 3:39 pm

by knitapeace

Never heard the word "humane" used to describe a diet plan...torture, maybe...LOL! This was an inspiring story and as a newbie I'll remember your words of wisdom when things get tough. Thank you!